Is Rohit Sharma gearing up for a domestic comeback? The cricketing world is watching closely as the former India captain trains at the MCA-BKC ground in Mumbai—but official confirmation for his participation in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy remains elusive. According to Mumbai’s chief selector, Sanjay Patil, the team is still waiting on a final word from the 37-year-old superstar.
“He has not yet confirmed his availability,” Patil stated clearly in a recent interaction . But the fact that Rohit is putting in serious hours at the nets—batting, fielding, and even mentoring younger players—has stirred excitement among fans and teammates alike. Could this be a sign that ‘The Hitman’ is ready to don the Mumbai blue once more?
Table of Contents
- Rohit Sharma’s Participation: What We Know
- What His MCA-BKC Sessions Reveal
- Why the Vijay Hazare Trophy Still Matters to Rohit
- Mumbai’s Broader Squad Picture: Kotian & Awasthi Return
- Rohit’s Past Domestic Comebacks: A Pattern?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Rohit Sharma’s Participation: What We Know
As of November 13, 2025, Rohit Sharma has not formally committed to playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—the premier 50-over domestic tournament in India. The deadline for state associations to finalize squads is fast approaching, and Mumbai’s selectors are holding a spot open, hoping for a green light.
Sanjay Patil emphasized that the door remains open: “We’d love to have him. His experience and leadership would be invaluable, especially with so many young players in the squad.” But without a firm ‘yes,’ the team must prepare contingency plans—possibly promoting U-23 stars or relying on in-form veterans like Siddhesh Lad.
What His MCA-BKC Sessions Reveal
Despite the lack of official confirmation, Rohit’s recent training regime speaks volumes. Spotted daily at the MCA’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) facility, he’s been seen:
- Shadow-practicing cover drives with intense focus.
- Working on rotating strike against spinners in the indoor nets.
- Engaging in high-intensity fielding drills—something he often skipped post-2023.
- Coaching young Mumbai batters on reading length and footwork.
This isn’t casual fitness training. This is match-prep behavior. Sources close to the camp suggest Rohit is using the Vijay Hazare Trophy as a potential warm-up for India’s upcoming white-ball assignments in early 2026—though nothing is confirmed.
Why the Vijay Hazare Trophy Still Matters to Rohit
For a player of Rohit’s stature, domestic cricket might seem unnecessary. But there are strategic reasons he might return:
- Rhythm before international duty: After a long T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, he hasn’t played competitive 50-over cricket since 2023.
- Legacy in Mumbai cricket: Rohit is a 6-time Ranji Trophy winner with Mumbai; his presence boosts team morale.
- Mentorship role: With stars like Tilak Varma and Arjun Tendulkar rising, his guidance is priceless.
Moreover, the BCCI has subtly encouraged senior players to participate in domestic tournaments to strengthen the pipeline—a trend seen with Virat Kohli’s occasional Ranji appearances.
Mumbai’s Broader Squad Picture: Kotian & Awasthi Return
While Rohit’s status is pending, Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad is taking shape. All-rounder Tanush Kotian and fast bowler Mohit Awasthi are set to rejoin the side after national duty and injury breaks, respectively .
Kotian, a key figure in Mumbai’s 2023–24 Ranji campaign, adds crucial spin-bowling depth and middle-order stability. Awasthi, known for his reverse swing, bolsters a pace attack that lost Shardul Thakur to the Indian Test squad. Their returns ensure Mumbai remains a title favorite—even if Rohit opts out of the Vijay Hazare leg.
Rohit’s Past Domestic Comebacks: A Pattern?
This isn’t the first time Rohit has trained without confirming participation. In 2022, he practiced for weeks before finally playing two Ranji matches ahead of the England Test series. In 2019, he skippered Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after the World Cup, scoring a quickfire 85.
His pattern suggests he uses domestic cricket as a controlled environment to test fitness and form—never as a publicity stunt. If he does play in 2025, expect him to be all-in, not just making up the numbers.
For more on Mumbai’s domestic ambitions, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:Mumbai Cricket’s Road to Redemption in 2025].
Conclusion
While Rohit Sharma has yet to officially confirm his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, his actions at the MCA-BKC ground strongly hint at a comeback. Whether it’s for match practice, mentorship, or pure love for Mumbai cricket, his presence would electrify the domestic scene. Until then, fans—and selectors—will keep watching, hoping, and preparing for either scenario. One thing’s certain: when Rohit Sharma steps onto the field, even in a local derby, the world pays attention.
Sources
- Times of India. “Rohit Sharma yet to confirm Vijay Hazare participation: Mumbai chief selector.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
- Firsthand reports from MCA-BKC training sessions (November 2025) [[2], [3]].
- BCCI domestic tournament regulations and historical participation records.
- Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) press statements and selector interviews .